India’s Nuclear Policy in Growing Tactical Nuclear Threats in the Current Scenario: An Overview

Dr. Harshvardhan Singh ¹ & Dr. Smita Singh ²   

¹   Assistant Professor, Department of Defence and Strategic Studies, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj

²    Assistant Professor, Department of Defence and Strategic Studies, M. P. P. G. College, Gorakhpur

E-mail: smitasingh81219@gmail.com

Corresponding author: Dr. Smita Singh

Issue: Volume 2 No. 2 (June 2026) Anubodhan

Received: 20 June 2026 / Accepted: 30 June 2026 / Published: 30 June 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.65885/anubodhan.v2n2.2026.083

Abstract

The contemporary international security environment is witnessing a significant transformation due to the emergence and growing prominence of Tactical Nuclear Weapons (TNWs). Unlike strategic nuclear weapons, tactical nuclear weapons are designed for limited battlefield use and are often perceived as instruments for achieving military objectives without triggering full-scale nuclear war. The increasing emphasis on such weapons, particularly in regions marked by geopolitical rivalries and security dilemmas, has raised serious concerns regarding strategic stability, deterrence credibility, and escalation risks. For India, the growing tactical nuclear threat is particularly relevant in the context of South Asia, where regional security dynamics continue to be shaped by nuclear deterrence and military competition.

     India’s nuclear policy has traditionally been guided by the principles of Credible Minimum Deterrence and No First Use (NFU), reflecting a restrained and responsible approach to nuclear weapons. However, the evolving nature of nuclear threats, including the deployment of tactical nuclear capabilities by neighboring adversaries, has generated debates regarding the adequacy and adaptability of India’s existing nuclear doctrine. The challenge lies in maintaining deterrence credibility while avoiding destabilizing arms races and preserving strategic stability in the region.

     In the broader context of international relations, the resurgence of great-power competition, the modernization of nuclear arsenals by major powers, the ongoing conflict dynamics involving nuclear-armed states, and the weakening of traditional arms control mechanisms have renewed global concerns about nuclear escalation. These developments have direct implications for India’s security environment and strategic calculations. Consequently, India’s nuclear policy must continuously adapt to emerging threats while remaining committed to responsible nuclear stewardship and international non-proliferation objectives.

This study evaluates India’s nuclear policy in the context of growing tactical nuclear threats and examines its relevance in the contemporary security environment. It analyses the strategic rationale behind India’s nuclear doctrine, assesses the challenges posed by tactical nuclear weapons, and explores the policy options available to India for strengthening deterrence, ensuring national security, and contributing to regional and global strategic stability. The study argues that while India’s existing nuclear framework remains broadly effective, evolving geopolitical and technological developments necessitate periodic reassessment to address emerging security challenges and maintain a credible deterrence posture in the twenty-first century.

Keywords:  India’s Nuclear Policy, Tactical Nuclear Weapons, Nuclear Deterrence, No First Use (NFU), Strategic Stability.

How to cite: Singh, H. & Singh, S. (2026). India’s Nuclear Policy in Growing Tactical Nuclear Threats in the Current Scenario: An Overview. Anubodhan, 2(2), 223–231. https://doi.org/10.65885/anubodhan.v2n2.2026.083